National Weather Service warns of flooding on S. Platte this weekend

Front Range communities hit hard by slow-moving storm

Highway 72 is closed between Highway 93 and Twin Spruce Road after flooding washed out a portion of the roadway. (Colorado Department of Transportation photo)

Bob Owens, Office of Emergency Management coordinator, says anyone with cattle along the South Platte River bottom needs to move them now.

The Emergency Communications Center sent out mass phone notifications to residents along the river this afternoon to notify them of a flood warning going into effect Saturday afternoon.

Owens said those who don't take action immediately to move their cattle may find it's too late tomorrow, because the ground will become too soft even before any flooding begins.

Owens has been busy today helping oversee preparations for the predicted flood. He said sand bagging operations are set up and on standby at the city's Service Center so crews can respond if needed. Similarly, an American Red Cross shelter is staged at the Sterling Middle School so it can be opened if residents are displaced by the rising river.

He recommended anyone living near the river to be prepared for possible flooding, which means three things: "Have a (72-hour) kit. Have a plan. Stay informed."

That motto, he explained, means having enough food and water to last 72 hours in case flooding forces the city to shut off the water system or the electricity fails. Other items in the kit should include any necessary medications and supplies like blankets and flashlights. Develop a family plan that includes communication plans as well as a meeting point in case you are displaced from your home.

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And residents should pay attention to local media as well as check for social media updates from local emergency response officials. Owens also urged residents to make sure their cell phone numbers are registered with the Communications Center so they receive reverse notifications.

The South Platte River gauge at Balzac, about 20 miles southwest of Sterling in Morgan County, measured the water depth at 3.36 feet at 4:30 p.m. It was at 2.71 feet at 8:30 a.m., and has been as high as 3.45 this afternoon. Flood stage is 10 feet.

With rain in the forecast over the next few days, and widespread flooding further west from a slow-moving stormfront, the National Weather Service is predicting the river will crest at 10.5 feet by Sunday morning, high enough to cause minor flooding in Logan, Morgan and Washington counties.The warning is in effect for 3 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Monday. The NWS warning says water could flow over the railroad tracks south of Merino.

Owens said the river could reach 10 feet in Sterling without causing any real problems, but at 11 feet it could spread into towns along the river.

Owens differentiated between flooding and flash flooding, which is characterized as very fast moving water. Flooding is typically slower moving, and while that means it can last longer than a flash flood, it also gives people more time to prepare or get out of the way. "I love it when we have time to prepare," he said.

The major cause for flooding concern won't be any rainfall the area receives; it will be water moving downstream from the flooded Front Range. However, Owens said, "It would really help if we didn't get a lot of rain."

The NWS's hazardous weather outlook says periods of moderate to heavy rain will continue through the afternoon and overnight in many areas east of the mountains, especially in and near the foothills. Showers and thunderstorms should be expected again on Friday with locally heavy rainfall possible. The local forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of precipitation tonight and Friday, falling to 50 percent likelihood Friday night. Somewhat drier and warmer conditions are expected on Saturday. The chance for showers and thunderstorms will increase again on Sunday. Drier and warmer conditions should return to the region next week, according to the NWS.

Heavy rainfall has flooded highways and city streets up and down the Front Range, and three people have been confirmed dead and at least one missing, according to the Denver Post.

At 3:16 p.m. the Colorado Department of Transportation had a number of Region 4 highways closed due to flooding, mudslides, rockfall and other debris as a result of the storm.

“Our highways and bridges will remain closed throughout the storm as a precaution until our crews have evaluated whether or not they are safe for public use,” said Region 4 Transportation Director Johnny Olson. “We highly discourage members of the public and media from trying to enter closure zones and/or from driving over flooding bridges.”

CDOT crews will be working around the clock until the storm subsides, damage to highways and bridges has been assessed, and repairs have been made. In all, approximately 120 employees are solely dedicated to the flooding situation across Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties. Assistance from the National Guard will be forthcoming as both the Big Thompson and Poudre Canyon areas are evacuated.

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